CPAP Therapy: What First-Time Users Should Know
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What Is Thunderstorm Asthma and How Can I Alleviate the Symptoms?
Thunderstorms can bring more than heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. For some people, they can trigger sudden and severe asthma symptoms. Known as thunderstorm asthma, this phenomenon occurs when weather conditions cause pollen and other allergens to break into tiny particles and be easily inhaled deep into the lungs.
Even people with mild asthma, seasonal allergies, or no previous history of asthma can experience symptoms during a thunderstorm. While thunderstorm asthma is rare, it can trigger severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, experienced pulmonologists Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel explain how thunderstorms can affect air quality and cause asthma symptoms.
Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs can help you take preventive steps that protect lung health.
What is thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma refers to severe and sudden asthma attacks triggered by weather conditions during a thunderstorm. Normally, the body’s natural defenses trap larger airborne allergens, such as pollen, in the nose before they reach the lungs.
During a thunderstorm, rain and humidity can cause pollen to absorb moisture and burst into smaller particles. These microscopic particles can bypass the nose, travel deep into the airways, and trigger inflammation and breathing issues.
Strong winds that might accompany a storm may also spread these allergen particles over a wider area, exposing more people.
Thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and most often occur when pollen counts are high during the spring and summer, when thunderstorms are more frequent.
Who is most at risk
If you have asthma or hay fever, you’re at a higher risk of developing thunderstorm asthma.
Asthma is a breathing disorder that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. If your asthma isn’t well controlled or you’re not consistently taking your prescribed preventive medications, a thunderstorm may increase your risk of an asthma attack.
Hay fever, also called seasonal allergies, is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen and grass. Because these allergens play a key role in thunderstorm asthma, you’re more susceptible to the attack if you have hay fever.
Thunderstorm asthma isn’t limited only to people with asthma and allergies. Anyone exposed to high concentrations of airborne allergens during a storm can develop symptoms.
Symptoms of thunderstorm asthma
Symptoms of thunderstorm asthma are similar to those of a typical asthma attack. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Persistent coughing
- Chest tightness
Symptoms can typically appear about 20 to 30 minutes after a storm starts and may persist for days. Because symptoms can develop suddenly and become severe, seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you love is having difficulty breathing.
What to do during thunderstorms
If you have asthma or seasonal allergies, taking precautions during a thunderstorm can help reduce your risk of symptoms.
Stay indoors when storms are approaching, close all windows and doors, and keep your rescue inhaler nearby. Stay inside until the storm passes, allowing enough time for the outside allergen levels to come down.
Following your prescribed asthma or allergy treatment plan and taking preventive medications can also lower your risk. Keeping track of local pollen counts and staying inside when counts are high, and a storm is predicted, may also provide some protection.
If you develop symptoms, use your rescue medication as prescribed. If symptoms worsen, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Keeping asthma and allergies under control all year is the best way to prevent a thunderstorm asthma attack. Regular checkups and annual treatment plan reviews can help ensure you’re getting the most effective care.
We can help you manage your asthma and allergies so you stay safe during thunderstorm season and beyond. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started.
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